“And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2 KJV
This word from the prophet to Asa is a word for all of us; yes even today. But it is not a word you will hear preached.
“Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for God did vex them with all adversity. Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:3-7 KJV
Doesn’t that sound like us today? We’ve been without The Law; we are face continually (it seems) with adversity, yet when we get in trouble we cry out to God; and/or when we are without peace we seek Him and during those times our efforts are rewarded.
Most read the above and immediately say, “That’s OT!” and dismiss.
Yet, Jesus said: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV
Asa received the word and took action: “And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the Lord, that was before the porch of the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 15:8 KJV
Asa cleaned house! He did it right this time, but in the next chapter he blows it.
He’s confronted by another prophet who reminds him of what God had previously done for him. Then I love what he says to Asa:
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a KJV
And God still does! He still rewards those who seek and obey Him!
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 KJV
“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” Psalms 119:2 KJV
Seeking God with your whole heart occurs when you love Him with your whole heart! It’s second nature! When you have made Him Lord of your life, spending time reading His Word is your desire and you do it! I have found that what you really want to do, you do!
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37 KJV
Do you love Him with your whole heart?
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15 KJV
Do you obey His Word?
Examine your heart today!
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 KJV
He’s still looking: “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a KJV
Even so - MARANATHA
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